Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources
As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases, so does the associated anxiety.
For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them.
For the past several weeks, MHA has been using its unique database to monitor daily this increase in anxiety. According to our screening data, we experienced a 19 percent increase in screening for clinical anxiety in the first weeks of February and a 12 percent increase in the first two weeks of March.
This suggests that our screeners are not just “worried well.” Instead they represent thousands of people whose lives and sense of well-being are being severely impacted by concerns about the virus.
As things unfold in the coming days and weeks, MHA will continue to monitor anxiety.
To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.
Mental Health Information for Disease Outbreaks
Tools and Information on Anxiety
Resources for Immediate Response
Webinars, Live Events, and Workshops
For Domestic Violence Survivors
General Information about COVID-19
Mental Health Information For Disease Outbreaks
Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak– Preparing For Your Wellness
This webpage provides information and wellness tips for individuals living with mental health conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Medication Access During COVID-19
Changes and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 can make it difficult to know what to do to make sure you have access to needed medications. Here are some tips and pieces of information to help you prepare and care for yourself or your loved ones
Compassion Fatigue, Empathy Burnout For Health Care Workers: Which Is It?
Compassion fatigue and empathy burnout for health care workers can be similar and can occur for anyone working with individuals who are experiencing physical and/or emotional stress.
Protective And Risk Factors For Toxic Stress
It is important to know the risk and protective factors for toxic stress. Recognizing and addressing toxic stress early can help us to increase protective factors and reduce its effects.
BIPOC Communities And COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color in America. Racial and ethnic disparities in health care are known factors contributing to the higher morbidity and mortality among people of color.
MHA's Blogs on COVID-19
MHA has content on parents, workplace reintegration, tips for college students, policy recommendations, and more on COVID-19 in the Chiming In blog.
COVID-19 and Mental Health: What We Are Learning from www.mhascreening.org
A presentation of screening data and the impact that COVID-19 is having on mental health.
Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreak Response
These fact sheets provide information and recommendations for healthcare personnel, families, leaders, and businesses to address the psychological and behavioral health impacts of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus Anxiety—Helpful Expert Tips and Resources
This page from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides COVID-19 resources, including videos, tips, and blogs on managing anxiety and coping.
COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
This webpage from the National Institute on Drug Abuse provides guidance on special considerations for the health and basic needs of individuals with Substance Use Disorders during Coronavirus.
COVID-19: Accessing Critical Medications for Your Loved One
This webpage from the Partnership for Drug-free Kids provides guidance for those considering or using pharmacotherapy, also known as medication-assisted treatment, to treat their opioid use disorder who might be wondering how COVID-19 will impact their ability to get these critical medications.
COVID-19: Mental health in the age of coronavirus
An article from the United Nations with guidance on promoting mental health among different populations including caretakers, health care workers, leaders, people with children, older adults, and pregnant, breastfeeding women.
COVID-related Mental Health and Recovery Resources
A Guide from Tempest on companies and organizations that offer online support for individuals, including those with eating disorders and alcohol or substance use concerns.
Dermatillomania During COVID-19
Risk of COVID-19 may be anxiety inducing and you may be experiencing a harder time managing your Dermatillomania as a result. The CDC’s encouragement to “not touch your face” can be particularly hard and even triggering if you struggle with Skin Picking Disorder. Here are some ways to cope from the Picking Me Foundation.
Free and Low Cost Support for Individuals Living With Eating Disorders
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) compiled free and low cost support options offer ways to connect with others and provide tools to promote recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mental Health, Mental Illness, and COVID-19
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) created a document to help guide individuals that have specific questions about their mental health situations.
Managing Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19
This page from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides tips for coping with stress and anxiety, including information focused on parents, first responders, and people who have been released from quarantine.
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO Mental Health Department as support for mental and psychological well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
Mental health and wellness during a public health crisis
Dr. LaGenia Bailey, former DBSA board member, discusses tips on how to stay well during this public health crisis. In this podcast, she addresses benefits of mindfulness practice, lifestyle habits, and ways to stay connected with others to avoid isolation.
Protecting Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A message from Brandon Staglin, President of One Mind, on prioritizing wellbeing during COVID-19.
Resources for the OCD and related disorders community during the COVID-19 outbreak
This page from the International OCD Foundation provides information about COVID-19 for individuals with OCD and related disorders.
People with Disabilities, Medical Conditions & Older Adults
The Southeast ADA Center compiled resources specific for individuals with disabilities.
Shrink Speak: COVID-19 Crisis
In this special three-part COVID-19 Crisis series, Dr. Lieberman of Columbia University speaks with renowned experts who have expertise in relevant disciplines that pertain to this COVID-19 pandemic.
Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak
This document from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information on the basics of staying safe and taking care of your mental health during infectious disease outbreaks.
When Home Becomes The Workplace: Mental Health And Remote Work
A Forbes article by Garen Staglin, Co-founder and Chairman of One Mind at Work, on how to avoid the common negative mental health effects of working from home.
How To Deal with Grief During Coronavirus
The Coronavirus pandemic has caused shockwaves all around the globe. Dealing with the loss of a loved one during this time is especially tragic, and experiencing grief about the loss of your normal routine can also be exhausting.
How-To Articles on COVID-19 from WIkihow
Wikihow provides a plethora of information about coping with COVID-19 in an easy to follow format.
Financial Support
COVID-19 Ancillary Costs
The HealthWell Foundation just announced a COVID-19 Fund that provides up to $250 in assistance with ancillary costs associated with COVID-19. Grants awarded through the fund will provide reimbursement assistance to at risk or quarantined individuals for delivered food, medication, telehealth copays and transportation costs associated with COVID-19.
Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses.
NeedyMeds.org
NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit that connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet
The Department of the Treasury put out an information sheet on a small business loan program called the Paycheck Protection Program created the CARES Act.
How The Treasury Department is Taking Action
The Department of the Treasury compiled their information sheets and applications for financial support given to workers, families, and businesses through the CARES Act on this page.
COVID-19 Emergency Food Assistance Program for People with Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis
The program supports patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis who are unable to afford or access food or nutritional needs due to COVID-19. Qualified patients will receive a one-time grant in the amount of $500 to cover groceries, food delivery or pick up, and medically tailored meals and can request complimentary delivery of food and other critical supplies directly to their place of residence by one of TR’s Greyshirt volunteers.
The COVID-19 Relief Fund for Black Women and Families
The COVID-19 Relief Fund for Black Women and Families will provide mini-grants to women to meet their family’s immediate needs for food, housing, childcare, toiletries, medication, healthcare related costs, or other critical expenses.
Tools and Information on Anxiety
Mental Health Screening Tools
One of the quickest and easiest ways to tell if you are experiencing a mental health condition is to take an online screen. MHA has nine different screening tools for mental health conditions on our site, including anxiety.
Anxiety Information and Support
How to Support Someone with Anxiety During Coronavirus
Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
Meditations and Calming Exercises
How To Find Mental Help During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Tools to Connect with Others
How To Support Someone with Depression During Coronavirus
Social Support: Getting And Staying Connected
MHA’s Inspire Community
An online community where people can connect with others. MHA hosts a dedicated mental health community, but there are communities related to a variety of topics.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)'s Online Support Groups
Lyf App
Lyf is a social media app where users share highly personal aspects of themselves without the fear of judgment. It's the one app where you can be yourself or write anonymously and people won't degrade or bring you down.
Warmlines
Unlike a hotline for those in immediate crisis, warmlines provide early intervention with emotional support that can prevent a crisis. The lines are typically free, confidential peer-support services staffed by those who have experienced mental health conditions themselves. Find a warmline in your area at warmline.org.
#JustCheckingIn
IDONTMIND started a campaign to connect people who are practicing social distancing and encourage others to join in using the hashtag #JustCheckingIn on Instagram.
Bridge Club
Bridge Club is a community-led peer support group for women and gender non-conforming folks who are sober or interested in sobriety. A virtual Bridge Club is available and free to join.
/r/COVID19-support
This is a subreddit offering help and support for those feeling overwhelmed by the news on COVID19.
Online/Phone Meeting Resources for Substance Use Disorder
The Washington Area Intergroup Association has a list of online/phone meetings for individuals who are struggling with substance use and are unable to attend support group meetings at this time.
In The Rooms
In The Rooms is a free online recovery tool that offers 130 weekly online meetings for those recovering from addiction and related issues.
Online Support Community for Parents & Caregivers of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
Gatherings are an hour long and take place weekly using Zoom (a free video conferencing service available for download on your computer or smartphone; allow extra time to install before joining your first meeting). You are welcome to join any meeting, although specified gatherings are intended to offer insight more tailored to the age of your child.
12steps.org
This is a calendar of online meetings at various different recovery-related websites.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support Group and Discussion Community
MHA Partner, Inspire, created a forum where individuals impacted by COVID-19 can connect and share their concerns.
Resources for Immediate Response
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies.
Crisis Text Line
Text MHA to 741741 and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
The Trevor Project
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
Trans Lifeline
Dial 877-565-8860 for US and 877-330-6366 for Canada. Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
Dial 2-1-1
If you need assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, visit 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. Run by the United Way.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
Caregiver Help Desk
Contact Caregiver Action Network's Care Support Team by dialing 855-227-3640.Staffed by caregiving experts, the Help Desk helps you find the right information you need to help you navigate your complex caregiving challenges. Caregiving experts are available 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET.
The Partnership for Drug-free Kids Helpline
Call 1-855-378-4373 if you are having difficulty accessing support for your family, or a loved one struggling with addiction faces care or treatment challenges resulting from COVID-19 circumstances, the Partnership for Drug-free Kids' specialists can guide you. Support is available in English and Spanish, from 9:00am-midnight ET weekdays and noon-5:00pm ET on weekends.
Webinars, Live Events, and Workshops
Instagram Live: MHA x NEDA
Coping with an eating disorder is challenging for anyone, at any time, but with the added stress of COVID-19, it can be hard to manage without routines that we're used to. CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Claire Mysko and Mental Health America's Director of Peer Advocacy, Supports, and Services Kelly Davis teamed up to share how they're coping and answered questions.
MHA webinar: Older Adults & Isolation during COVID-19
In this webinar, MHA will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of traditional behavioral health services in meeting the needs of this population, particularly around social isolation. He will also share information about how peer support and peer-delivered services can make an impact on their wellbeing and sense of connection.
MHA webinar: Wellness Routines for Uncertain Times
This webinar is designed to create space for participants to explore reaching their new or reimagined wellness goals.
MHA webinar: Peer, Friend and Self Support in the COVID-19 Crisis: How to Provide Support for Ourselves and Others Through Times of Fear and Isolation
This webinar speaks directly to skills and techniques we can utilize to maintain our collective health and provide the support we all need to cope with this time of fear, anxiety, and isolation. The techniques developed in behavioral health peer support can be adjusted and combined with new ideas developed by each of us in order to rise to the occasion.
MHA webinar: Building Resiliency to Isolation & Loneliness: How to Increase Our Resiliency During the COVID-19 Crisis
This webinar will discuss the crisis we face physically, cognitively, and emotionally in the time of COVID-19.
PsychU webinar: Impact of Novel Coronavirus Pandemic on Mental Health
In this webinar, Paul Gionfriddo, President of Mental Health America, and Christine Moutier, MD, psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, discuss the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on mental health with Stephen Murray, PharmD, MBA, Senior Medical Science Liaison for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.
Yale webinars: Using emotional intelligence to combat COVID-19 anxiety
In a series of webinars starting March 25, the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence will address ways of maintaining emotional health and building resilience.
Smithsonian Workshop: Meditation and Mindfulness
The Smithsonian Institution is offering free 30-minute online meditations four times each week led by DC-based meditation teachers, starting Monday, March 23. These free sessions are appropriate for all levels of practitioners. No previous experience is required.
For Mental Health Providers
A Guide to Transitioning Your Clinic to a Remote Work Environment
Medicare Telehealth Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet
Use of Telemedicine While Providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Guidance
COVID-19 and Opioid Treatment Programs FAQ
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance
For First Responders
How To Build Your Emotional Personal Protective Equipment
As COVID-19 continues to impact the U.S. at high rates, frontline workers need more than just medical supplies. To handle the stress and uncertainty that working through the pandemic has brought, it’s crucial to build up your emotional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well.
Coping With Fear Of Exposure To COVID-19
When you have to keep showing up, it’s important to prevent that fear from becoming debilitating. The best way to start managing your fear is to fully process what exactly you’re afraid of and why.
Dealing With More Death Than Usual
In addition to increased workloads and their own risk of infection, as well as difficult decisions about patient care, health care workers are facing the trauma of witnessing a high number of deaths.
List of Freebies for Nurses During the COVID-19 Crisis
An extensive list of free travel, goods and services including mental health and fitness for nurses!
Project N95
Project N95, a volunteer organization, is the national COVID-19 clearinghouse for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical medical equipment. They are a rapid response non-profit organization.
Compassion Fatigue, Empathy Burnout For Health Care Workers: Which Is It?
Compassion fatigue and empathy burnout for health care workers can be similar and can occur for anyone working with individuals who are experiencing physical and/or emotional stress.
The Emotional PPE Project
The Emotional PPE Project connects healthcare workers in need with licensed mental health professionals who can help.
For Parents
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones
Support group for parents, spouses, family of addicted loved one.
Talking to Kids about COVID-19
Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el coronavirus
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
Supporting Kids During the COVID-19 Crisis
How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids
Talking to Kids about Fear and Violence
The Parent Guide to Resilience
List of Live Webcams, Virtual Tours, and Virtual Field Trips
Scholastic Learn at Home Free Resources
Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources
Virtual Field Trips from Discovery Education
Free Learning Resources from Lakeshore Learning Materials
List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings
How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus
For Caregivers
Family Caregiver Mental Health And COVID-19
Caregiving for a Person with a Mental Illness
How To Care for Someone with Coronavirus
COVID-19 and Family Caregiving
Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and Educators
Caring for someone at home during COVID-19
National Alliance for Caregiving
For Older Adults
Do Your Part to Stem COVID-19: An Intergenerational Call to Action
Older Adults & Isolation during COVID-19
For Domestic Violence Survivors
Information on COVID-19 for Survivors, Communities, and DV/SA Programs
People who are surviving violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by social distancing measures during the Coronavirus pandemic. Futures Without Violence curated resources for survivors and communities.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
For LGBTQ+ Individuals
Direct Online and Phone Support Services for LGBTQ Youth
The Human Rights Campaign compiled some resources that LGBTQ youth and their parents/guardians can access online or by phone.
9 Strategies for Quarantining in a Non-LGBTQ+ Affirming Environment
With help from queer therapists and experts from The Trevor Project, here's how to endure isolation with those who might not accept your identity.
For Veterans
COVID-19 Resources for Veterans from the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
General Information about COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Hub from the CDC
Fact Sheets on COVID-19 in Spanish and Other Languages
Coronavisrus (COVID-19) Situation Report from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
Preguntas y respuestas sobre la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19)
American Psychological Association (APA) Resources on Pandemics
